Connecting business. Building understanding. Advancing peace.

October 2, 2026Source: EnterpriseAM

UAE Expands East Coast Logistics as L’imad and EGA Bypass Hormuz

Abu Dhabi's sovereign platform L'imad Holding is driving major infrastructure investments to route trade around the Strait of Hormuz under a 'Zero Hormuz' framework. Concurrently, Emirates Global Aluminium has signed an agreement with Gulftainer to shift up to 250,000 tonnes of exports to the UAE's east coast in its first year. The initiatives aim to reinforce trade resilience by expanding multimodal export outlets outside the Gulf chokepoint.

October 2, 2026Source: Fast Company Middle East

UAE Ranks Sixth Globally for AI Readiness as Security Learning Surges 243%

The UAE has ranked sixth globally and first across MENA in Coursera's Global Skills Report 2026 AI-Human Skills Synergy Index, ahead of the US, Singapore, and China. Total AI course enrollments in the country expanded by 75% year-over-year, led by a 243% surge in AI security learning. Concurrently, employer demand for AI skills rose to 3.2% of job postings in 2025, supported by nationwide training initiatives.

October 2, 2026Source: uaebarq.ae

UAE Leaders Congratulate Chinese President Xi Jinping on National Day

UAE leadership has dispatched congratulatory messages to Chinese President Xi Jinping on the occasion of China's National Day. Similar greetings were also sent to Chinese Premier Li Qiang by UAE vice presidents. The communications reflect ongoing diplomatic relations between the UAE and China.

October 2, 2026Source: Trafigura

Trafigura Secures USD 4.4 Billion Facilities Backed by Chinese and UAE Lenders

Trafigura Group has closed an upsized USD 4.4 billion syndicated revolving credit and term loan facility with 40 financial institutions. The package features heavy participation from Chinese and Middle Eastern lenders, including Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, and includes a USD 1.6 billion-equivalent offshore renminbi tranche. Funds will refinance existing debt maturing in 2023 and 2025 and support general corporate operations.

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October 2, 2026Source: Yahoo Finance

Temasek to Open First Middle East Offices in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh

Singapore state investor Temasek Holdings announced plans to establish its first Middle East offices in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh in the first half of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals. The strategic hubs are designed to deepen regional partnerships and accommodate co-located portfolio companies targeting the Gulf, Central Asia, and Africa. As of March 31, 2026, Temasek managed a net portfolio valued at S$518 billion ($405.5 billion).

Policy & Legal Updates

Understand the policies, laws and regulations shaping business across China and the UAE.

Business registration · Investment · Taxation · Customs · Trade · Financial regulation · Employment · Visas · Free-zone policies

October 2, 2026Source: The New York Times

Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao Settles in Abu Dhabi Following US Prison Term

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao is living in Abu Dhabi following the completion of a four-month U.S. prison sentence and a presidential pardon from Donald Trump. According to The New York Times, Zhao retains majority ownership of Binance and a net worth exceeding $10 billion. The report notes UAE leadership is seeking his collaboration in expanding the country's technology powerhouse ambitions.

October 2, 2026Source: Gulf News

UAE Labour Regulations Clarify Unused Annual Leave Entitlements Upon Resignation

Private-sector employees in the UAE are entitled to cash compensation for accrued, untaken annual leave when resigning or leaving a job, according to UAE Labour Law guidance published by Gulf News. Payouts for unused leave in final settlements are calculated on the worker's basic salary rather than total compensation. Regulations also permit carrying forward up to half of an annual leave balance or receiving cash in lieu upon agreement with the employer.

Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
United Arab Emirates
Final rule

October 2, 2026Source: Yen.com.gh

UAE Outlines 10-Year Golden Visa Eligibility Criteria for Exceptional Talent Categories

The UAE has released qualifying criteria for its 10-year Golden Visa covering creative, scientific, sports, and specialized professional fields. According to the Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Authority, the scheme grants renewable decade-long residency to eligible applicants and their families without a national sponsor. Specialized professionals must earn at least AED 30,000 monthly, hold a bachelor's degree, and carry comprehensive health insurance.

Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Authority (ICP)
United Arab Emirates
Final rule

China–UAE News

Follow the trade, investment and partnerships bringing China and the UAE closer together.

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October 2, 2026Source: ua.news

UAE Capital Market Authority Rewrites Regulations Following 18-Month Overhaul

The UAE Capital Market Authority (CMA) has completely rewritten its laws and regulatory rulebook following an 18-month reform process. Announced by CMA Director General Waleed Al Awadi at the Meira 2026 conference, the reforms transition the regulator into a market developer while coordinating rules with DIFC and ADGM authorities.

October 2, 2026Source: gtreview.com

Trafigura Closes Upsized $4.4 Billion Syndicated Loans Backed by Chinese, UAE Banks

Global commodity trader Trafigura has closed US$4.4 billion in syndicated credit facilities, upsized from an initial US$3.5 billion equivalent. The facility includes a US$1.6 billion-equivalent offshore renminbi tranche and was backed by 40 lenders across Asia and the Middle East, including UAE banks ADCB and FAB alongside leading Chinese institutions.

October 2, 2026Source: Gulf Today

UAE Federal Tax Authority Participates in BRICS Tax Leaders Meeting in New Delhi

The UAE Federal Tax Authority attended the BRICS Tax Experts and Tax Heads Meeting 2026 in New Delhi. The delegation was led by FTA Director General Abdulaziz Al Mulla to discuss cross-border tax cooperation. Talks focused on technology integration, human resources, and emerging global tax challenges across ten BRICS administrations.

October 2, 2026Source: Markets Insider

FREELANDER Selects UAE for Debut International Market in Phased Expansion

Automotive brand FREELANDER, jointly developed by Jaguar Land Rover and Chery, unveiled its international roadmap designating the UAE as its debut market. The announcement took place at an event in Abu Dhabi with local dealership appointments for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Northern Emirates. The cooperation highlights Sino-British-UAE automotive partnerships incorporating Chinese intelligent vehicle technologies.

Industry News

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Middle East Travel Alerts

October 2, 2026Source: Euro Weekly News

Consumer Markets & Tourism

EASA Advises Airlines to Avoid Parts of Saudi Airspace Through November 16

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued guidance recommending European carriers avoid sections of the Jeddah Flight Information Region in western Saudi Arabia. The advisory remains in effect through November 16, 2026, citing risks from increased drone and missile activity. The detour guidance is expected to lengthen flight times between Europe and Asia.

October 2, 2026Source: GDNOnline

Logistics & Trade

Big 5 Global 2026 in Dubai to Focus on Construction Supply Chains and Technology

The 47th edition of Big 5 Global will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from November 23 to 26, 2026. Supported by UAE federal and local government authorities, the industry exhibition will spotlight supply chain resilience, technology advancement, sustainable transformation, and workforce capabilities across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

October 2, 2026Source: FinanceFeeds

Finance & Investment

Dubai OTC Crypto Desks Operate Under VARA Rules and UAE Tax Framework

Dubai's over-the-counter crypto trading desks facilitate bilateral transactions for institutional clients, with transaction minimums typically starting around $100,000. Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority had issued approximately 50 crypto licenses by June 2026. The UAE applies a 0% personal tax on crypto gains, while crypto-to-crypto transfers remain VAT-exempt.